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TERHI PÖLKKI LAUNCHED her namesake brand Terhi Pölkki in 2011. Born and raised in the South Ostrobothnia of Finland, the designer currently works and lives in Helsinki.

Terhi's style sums up the brand's  coveted aesthetic of minimalist luxury with a tough edge. Terhi presents two collections a year.

To learn more read the whole story below.
 
Ola ankle boots / SS2012
TERHI PÖLKKI'S STORY began already years before the Terhi Pölkki shoe brand was born. Terhi has always wanted to be a fashion designer but once working in a shoe store in the early years she got really fascinated in shoes.

"Shoes are something in between fashion and product design. At the same time I can be creative and practical and that suits me well." 
 

Terhi finished her BA degree in Footwear Design at Wetterhoff Hämeenlinna in Finland. After that she continued her studies and moved to London.

"My big dream was to move to London and study in a prestige shoe design school - Cordwainers at London College of Fashion. It ended up the best decision I've ever made".

She gratuated as Master of Arts in Fashion Footwear from Cordwainers at London College of Fashion in 2008.

"My favourite person in the school was Peter, a technician in the shoe making department. He kept saying; we don't run - we walk. This is something I keep reminding myself daily."

WE DON'T RUN – WE WALK

BEFORE ESTABLISHING HER NAMESAKE SHOE BRAND she worked years for a premium shoe brands in London.

"Working and travelling years in a shoe factories in China, India and Brazil I got to meet a number of professionals and shoe lovers all over the world. I was a young and enthusiastic and who was just basically interested to learn all about the shoe industry".

However, the idea of her own brand got stronger while travelling around the world. The opportunity to work in the shoe factories just made more clear that her own brand would be established on an environmental values.

Terhi Pölkki shoe brand was launched in 2011. The first collection was the Spring-Summer 2012 and it consisted the range of a vegetable tanned leather styles and a selection of wooden clogs made in Finland. 
fit
Karin clogs / SS2012
Fiona babouche / SS2016

FROM HER FIRST COLLECTION it was clear that we want to make things with a respect of people and nature.

The manufacture country was chosen due the business contacts Terhi had in Portugal. The shoes are made in a small, family-run factory in Sao Joao da Madeira, Portugal.

"We been working together for years and the factory is committed to operate with the Terhi Pölkki brand's sustainable guidelines and values."

All our shoes are manufactured the experienced suppliers that offers good work conditions for employees along with quality of craftsmanship under European Union legislation. 

We believe in products that last for a long time. These products arise from classic, timeless design and high quality materials. It is important for us to create shoes that are both comfortable and beautiful.

TERHI PÖLKKI'S STYLE sums up the brand’s coveted aesthetic of minimalist luxury with a tough edge. The different surface structures combine matt and shiny materi­als. The end result is a collection of layered uppers with hand-stitched details.

Terhi finds her inspiration from her roots and Finnish nature. She plays with a masculinity in the shapes and a femininity in the materials and colours. It is about a perfect balance that inspired a collection of seasonless styles that allow an easy transition from Autumn to Spring.

All styles are named after Terhi's special people or places.

"Its about the time to share a story about my shoe names as many of you keep asking about them."

The story of Peter lace up name comes from a technician Peter from Cordwainers who made a huge impact in Terhi's life. Therefore, Ola boots were named after Ola Salo who she saw playing in Ankka Rock festival in 2005.

They are not a pair of shoes, they are objects with a story! 

 

Fringe Mule / SS2017

 

 

Terhi Pölkki has won several respected awards in her career.

  • The Taito-Finlandia 2016 prize in Finland

  • The Accessory Designer of the Year 2014 in Elle Style Awards in Finland

  • The Young Shoe Designer of the Year 2008 in Finland 

   

NEW CHAPTER - Terhi Pölkki opened her first store in Helsinki 15th of November 2018.

For the past two years the store was located in the beautiful Kämp Galleria shopping centre, but in 2021 we decided it's time to move on and start a next chapter as a brick and mortar store. 
   

 

 

NEW CATEGORY - The new chelsea rain boots made in Slovakia, Europe. 

 

The Anton Chelsea is 1005 weatherproof and made of 100% natural rubber. It is designed for city and outdoor use. It was launched in August, 2020.

 
   

NEXT CHAPTER - Terhi Pölkki Flagship Store opened its doors to Uudenmaankatu 2, Helsinki in February 2021.

 

The store can be described as a new kind of a store that inspires and tempts people to enjoy and spend time there.

The important values for the brand, like high quality, domesticity and naturalness have been taken into account in the design process.

 

 

 
 

NOW FOR MEN  - Men's shoe collection was launched in September 2022. 
 

MOVING TOWARDS NEW OMNICHANNEL EXPERIENCE  - Terhi Pölkki Uudenmaankatu Store closed in June 2023. 

The brand is developing the business strategy that aims to offer a seamless shopping experience across all channels including in store, mobile, and online. 

 

 

 

 
 

NEW HOME  - Now you find us under one roof in Kruununhaka area in Helsinki. 

Terhi Pölkki Store & Studio, Vironkatu 8, Helsinki. 


For Terhi, shoes are objects with a story.

kuvakuvana

 

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